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Helen enters from the palace.

Helen
Daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, unhappy Electra, a maiden for so long, how is it with you and your brother, this ill-starred Orestes who slew his mother?
[75]
For referring the sin as I do to Phoebus, I incur no pollution by addressing you; and yet I am truly sorry for the death of my sister Clytemnestra, whom I never saw after I was driven by heaven-sent frenzy to sail as I did to Ilium;
[80]
but now that I am parted from her, I bewail our misfortunes.

Electra
Helen, why should I speak of that which your own eyes can see? [Agamemnon's house in misfortune] Beside his wretched corpse I sit, sleepless—for corpse he is, so faint his breath—
[85]
not that I reproach him with his sufferings; but you are highly blessed and your husband too. [you have come upon us in the hour of adversity]

Helen
How long has he lain in this way on the couch?

Electra
Ever since he spilt his mother's blood.

Helen
[90]
Unhappy wretch! unhappy mother! what a death she died.

Electra
Unhappy enough to succumb to his misery.

Helen
By the gods, would you hear me a moment, maiden?

Electra
Yes, with such leisure as this watching over a brother leaves.